Lucas Papademos, a respected former central banker and European Central Bank (ECB) vice-president, was given the mandate on Thursday to form a new Greek government, succeeding George Papandreou. In statements immediately upon his exit from the presidential mansion, Papademos said the problems faced by Greece are "huge, despite the efforts made (to deal with them) ... The country is at a crucial cross-roads, and the choices that will be made in terms of the policies to be implemented will be of decisive significance for the prosperity of the Greek people".

The new premier-designate twice called for "unity" in his brief statement, saying he is confident that problems will be solved and effectively with the least possible cost "if there is unity, understanding and consensus."